Roma fans arrested for attempted murder after clashes

Police said they arrested two fans amid violent scenes before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final, first leg game against Italian side AS Roma at Anfield which led to one person being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Television images from the BBC showed groups of youths fighting outside the stadium before the game, with one person seen lying in the street receiving attention while fighting continued. One male was filmed carrying a hammer.

“Merseyside Police can confirm that two men, aged 25 and 26 years from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was seriously injured before the Champions League semi-final game this evening,” police said in a statement.

Football fans climb on a police van amid violent clashes before the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Roma at Anfield. Pic: Getty

“The man was arrested inside the ground after officers carried out a number of proactive inquiries in a bid to identify those involved in the incident.

The BBC reported that a group of Roma supporters attacked Liverpool fans using belts.

There were also violent scenes before Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final game against Manchester City at Anfield earlier this month, when the home supporters attacked the visiting team’s bus with bottles, cans and flares which resulted in the Merseyside club being charged by UEFA.